Jordan’s King and Queen spend time with Japanese royals while on working visit

Jordan’s King Abdullah and Queen Rania are in Japan on a working visit, and during their time in the Asian country, they have made sure to spend time with members of the Japanese Imperial Family.

The King and Queen travelled to Tokyo’s Imperial Palace to meet Emperor Akihito (who will abdicate in favour of his eldest son, Crown Prince Naruhito next year) and Empress Michiko at the beginning of their trip. The King and Emperor “affirmed the deep-rooted, historical friendship between the two countries, as well as keenness to expand cooperation in various areas,” according to the Royal Hashemite Court.

King Abdullah also thanked the Japanese people for their continued support for Jordan’s development projects. Additionally, he praised Japan for their support in assisting refugees amidst the ongoing refugee crisis that has deeply impacted Jordan.

Yesterday, Their Majesties met Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako to discuss Jordanian-Japanese ties of friendship. They were joined by Prince Omar bin Al Feisal for the talks that touched on the 64-year advanced relationship between Japan and Jordan.

King Abdullah’s trip has also seen him meet members of the Jordan-Japan Friendship Association and Japanese companies interested in investing in Jordan. The King has even met the Japanese Defence Minister Takeshi Iwaya to discuss potential expansions in military cooperation between the two countries. Further, His Majesty discussed the advancement of collaboration economically with Japan International Cooperation Agency President Shinichi Kitaoka.

King Abdullah and Queen Rania meet the Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Japan. Photo: Copyright 2018, Royal Hashemite Court

The King is due to also hold talks with Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on bilateral ties, as well as the advancement of “political, economic and development cooperation, as well as current regional developments.”

Their Majesties journeyed to Japan after a private visit to the United Kingdom to see their second daughter, Princess Salma graduate from Sandhurst two days ago. While the King is out of the country, Prince Feisal bin Al Hussein is acting as regent.